Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, call Orange County personal injury attorney John Rapillo today. For over 38 years, the Law Offices of John Rapillo has successfully represented accident victims. He has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. We realize how important this money is for our clients. This money covers the true cost of a personal injury accident. It can mean the difference between living your life with dignity or financial ruin. We offer a free consultation and only get paid if you win.

Do you have a personal injury claim in Orange County?

If you suffered a serious injury in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to pursue a claim against that person. If you lost a loved one in the accident, then you may have a wrongful death claim. Accidents that commonly give rise to personal injury claims include car accidents, defective products, dog bites, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, nursing home abuse and slip and fall injuries.

Call our Orange County offices in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach today to discuss your situation. Mr. Rapillo will explain your best options and determine if you should pursue a claim. Remember, there are strict time limitations for you to pursue legal action. As such, it’s in your best interests to quickly move forward and avoid any unnecessary delay. Start your free consultation today. There is no fee unless we win.

What Our Personal Injury Attorneys CAN DO FOR YOU

After an accident, John Rapillo will do everything to protect your interests and help you secure the largest settlement possible. This includes examining the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, negotiating with the insurance company, and going to trial if necessary.

Another benefit of having an Orange County personal injury lawyer on your side is that you level the playing field. The negligent party’s insurance company will attempt to settle the matter with you for the least amount possible or simply deny the claim. Mr. Rapillo has over 35 years experience negotiating with the insurance companies. They know that John can and will go to court unless you receive a reasonable offer.

Meet Attorney John Rapillo

John Rapillo is the sole handling attorney for your case. You will have direct access to him to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your case. You will not be ignored. Your case matters.

Because of his experience and reputation, Mr. Rapillo routinely settles most injury claims with the adverse insurance company. But if necessary, Mr. Rapillo is skilled and prepared to take your case completely through the litigation process, including arbitration and/or trial.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Orange County

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can be devastating for riders. It’s not uncommon for injured riders to suffer broken bones, brain injury, spinal cord damage, or even death. If you have been injured in an Orange County bicycle accident you need to demand the compensation you deserve.

Orange County personal injury attorney John Rapillo knows that the cost of an injury can be overwhelming. Our mission is to secure a fair and meaningful settlement on your behalf. A thorough investigation is essential to your case. Why? Many people can contribute to a single accident. We will determine what caused your crash and identify who is to blame. We will demand compensation from anyone who contributed to your harm. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Car Accidents

Orange County roads are more dangerous than ever. This is thanks, in part, to more distracted and aggressive drivers behind the wheel. Someone else’s negligent behavior can change your life in the blink of an eye. If this happens, you need to fight for the money you deserve.

Car accidents can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial harm. It can be difficult to determine the full extent and value of your injuries. Our car accident lawyers work with experts to make sure that your case is valued properly. We will not allow insurance companies or negligent parties to extend an offer that does not meet your needs. Want to learn more about how we can help? Call us today to schedule a free case assessment.

Pedestrian Accidents

In 2016, Orange County was the 10th deadliest place in the country for pedestrians. Despite efforts to make Orange County streets safer, the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths just seems to be on the rise. Since pedestrians have little to protect themselves in the event of a crash, injuries tend to be quite severe. As a result, the financial costs of an accident can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, these costs are often compounded by the fact that accident victims can’t return to work right away. Filing a lawsuit is often the best way to get the money you need.

Anyone you blame for your accident will try to minimize your recovery. One strategy will be to shift some (or all) of the blame to you. Fault does not prevent you from recovering compensation, but it can reduce the amount of money you get. Our accident lawyers will investigate your case and find evidence that shows others are to blame. We will protect you and fight to maximize your financial award. Contact our office today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcyclists are at an increased risk of harm in an accident. Riders don’t have the protection a car can offer and typically sustain life-changing injuries. If you’ve been injured in an Orange County motorcycle accident you may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. You may also not be able to work in the same capacity as you did before. If someone else caused your accident you have the right to demand the money you deserve.

Money won’t make your motorcycle accident injuries go away. However, it can help to reduce the financial stress you experience after your accident. Our attorneys will analyze your case and determine which damages you may be entitled to receive. We will aggressively pursue those damages from anyone who contributed to your accident. Need help? Call us today to schedule a free consultation.

Nursing Home Abuse

We trust nursing homes to take care of our aging loved ones. Unfortunately, some nursing homes in Orange County are more concerned with annual profits than a resident’s well-being. Physical abuse, neglect, and emotional trauma can all have devastating consequences. If your loved one has suffered any form of nursing home abuse, you need to hold their caregiver responsible.

Nursing homes will fight to contest any allegations of abuse. It is important for you to hire an attorney who has experience handling these delicate matters. At the Law Offices of John Rapillo, our lawyers have been helping nursing home abuse victims for more than 30 years. We know how traumatic abuse can be and are here to help your family during this difficult time. Call us today to learn more.

Dog Bites

Dogs can be our greatest companions. In some situations, however, they can pose a serious threat to our health and safety. Dog bites can inflict debilitating injuries including soft tissue damage, paralysis, and even death. If you or someone you love have suffered a dog bite in Orange County, you need to understand your rights.

In California, dog owners can be held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs. This means that you can recover compensation without having to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. Our lawyers are committed to helping you recover the money you deserve. Call us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Property owners have to make sure that their guests and visitors are safe. At the very least, owners should check for dangers and fix any known hazards. Unfortunately, many owners try to cut corners and increase the risk of a slip and fall. If you have fallen and sustained an injury on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation.

Slip and fall cases can be complicated. Property owners will not want to cover your costs. In an effort to protect themselves, they will try to blame you for your own accident. Our premises liability lawyers will make sure that these attempts are unsuccessful. We will review all evidence that is relevant to your case and find ways to show that the property owner was negligent. Our aggressive approach to your case will help you get the money you deserve. Call us today to learn more.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, not all victims will survive the trauma of an accident. However, the person who caused your loved one’s death isn’t off the hook just yet. You have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit for damages. While money will not bring them back, it can help to ease some of your pain and financial stress.

It can be devastating to lose someone you love unexpectedly. When that happens, our wrongful death lawyers are here to help. We will determine what caused the fatal accident and identify who is to blame. We will then demand compensation from anyone who contributed to your loved one’s tragic death. Call our compassionate team of attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you through this difficult time.

Client Testimonials

“After my car accident, I tried to deal with the insurance company on my own. I had unpaid damages to my car, medical bills, and I was missing time from work because of my pain. After getting nowhere, I called John Rapillo who immediately forced them to take responsibility, pay for my damages and bills, including a large pain and suffering settlement. I would recommend John Rapillo to family, friends, and anyone who needs a great personal injury attorney.” Linda AFormer Client

‹›

Why Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?

You may have the right to demand compensation from another person after an accident. While you can While you can pursue a claim on your own, it’s always best to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Here's why:

Personal Injury Cases Take Time

An unexpected accident can turn your world upside down. Injuries can take months to heal and may require extensive medical care. You might even be forced to miss time at work while you get better. The last thing you need to do is divert your time and energy to a lawsuit. Hiring an attorney will give you the opportunity to focus on getting back on your feet. The more you can focus on your recovery, the less time it will take.

Insurance Companies Want to Limit Your Award

Most personal injury cases will involve an insurance company. While insurers have the money you need, they’ll be very reluctant to hand it over. Instead, they’ll do whatever they can to minimize your payout after an accident. Some will try to take advantage of the trauma of your accident and trick you into accepting a lowball offer. Others will act tough and pressure you into accepting an offer that’s much less than you deserve. Hiring an attorney to handle your negotiations will prevent these tactics from working. Your attorney will protect your rights and demand that you get the money you deserve.

You May Not Know Who To Blame

You may think that one person, and one person alone, is responsible for your accident. In reality, multiple parties may be to blame for your injuries. In California, anyone who contributes to your accident or injury can be held financially responsible. It’s important to identify anyone who may have played a part in your Orange County accident.

When you hire an attorney, we will make sure that these questions are answered with your best interests in mind. A thorough investigation will allow us to determine the cause(s) of your accident. Knowing the cause(s) can allow us to determine fault. We’ll aggressively pursue compensation from anyone who may have caused you harm.

Valuing Your Case Can Be Difficult

How much is your worth? What kind of compensation will you be able to receive? These are all important questions in a personal injury case. If you try to navigate a claim on your own, insurance companies will probably get to provide the answers. This is the last thing you want. Remember, these companies aren’t on your side. They want to limit the amount of money you get after your accident.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured In an Accident?

Believe it or not, the steps you take immediately after an accident will affect your personal injury claim. Keeping a few simple suggestions in mind can help to protect and support your case.

Seek Medical Attention: You’ll want to establish a link between your accident and your injuries. Don’t waste any time in seeking medical attention after you’ve been injured. Getting help right away will (a) ensure that your injuries are diagnosed and treated immediately and (b) create a medical report that can be used in your case.

Report the Accident: Always report an accident to the local police. An officer will arrive on the scene, question everyone involved, and complete a police report. While these reports aren’t generally admissible in court, they can preserve details that are often lost or forgotten over time. When it’s time to investigate your case, the information contained in the police report can be incredibly helpful to your attorney.

Refuse Early Settlement Offers: You may be contacted by an insurance company shortly after your accident. They may try to pressure you into accepting a lowball offer. While having money in your hands right away is appealing, do your best to resist the urge to accept. Accepting an offer for less than your case is worth can do more harm than good in the long run. When you accept, you’ll probably be asked to waive your right to collect additional compensation in the future. If you suffer additional injuries or find that your costs exceed what you expected, you’ll be out of luck. Contact an attorney if you’re approached by an insurance company after your accident.

Call An Attorney for Help: The best thing you can do after an accident is call an experienced personal injury lawyer for help. Your attorney will pursue compensation on your behalf and handle all negotiations with defendants and insurance companies. This not only protects your interests, but also gives you the time you need to focus on your physical and emotional recoveries.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in California?

You’ll only have a limited amount of time to file a personal injury claim after an accident. The statute of limitations, which is set by state law, will depend on the type of personal injury case you have.

Negligence: Negligence occurs when another person fails to use care and causes an injury. When your case is based on negligence, you’ll have to prove (a) the defendant owed you a duty of care, (b) this duty of care was breached, (c) you suffered an injury because of this breach, and (d) you were harmed in some way. Negligence is often the basis of liability in cases involving traffic accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace accidents, and medical malpractice.

Strict Liability: A person can be liable for your injuries even if they were not negligent. This is known as strict liability. Strict liability, which is typically imposed by law or statute, is often the basis of liability in cases involving dog bites and defective products.

Intentional Acts: A person can also be liable for harm that is a result of their own wrongful intentional acts. A harmful intentional act is often the basis for liability in personal injury cases involving domestic violence, assault, and arson.

Establishing liability is fundamental in any personal injury lawsuit. You’ll want to make sure that your case is experienced legal hands. Contact the Law Offices of John Rapillo to find out how we can help you get the money you deserve.

What Compensation Can I Recover From a Lawsuit?

The costs of an unexpected accident can be overwhelming. Medical bills can add up quickly. Those costs can become unmanageable if you’re disabled or are unable to work. Fortunately, you have the right to seek compensation if someone else is at fault. In California, you’re generally entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic help to cover the financial costs of your accident, while non-economic damages compensate for hard-to-value injuries.

When you file a personal injury claim, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical Expenses

Rehabilitation

Nursing Care

Lost Wages

Disability

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Embarrassment

Disfigurement

Pain and Suffering, and

Emotional Distress.

It’s important to make sure that your personal injury case is valued properly. Contact our legal team today to find out how we can help you maximize your financial recovery.

Should I Negotiate an Insurance Claim or File a Lawsuit?

There are two ways to recover compensation after an accident. The first involves filing a personal injury claim with an insurance company. The second involves filing a civil lawsuit against the person who caused your injuries. Each process has its own distinct benefits and drawbacks.

Insurance Claim

Insurance benefits are typically the first source of compensation after an accident. If you’re injured, you can file a formal claim to receive benefits from an insurance company. An insurance company will review your request and determine the value of your case using a complicated algorithm.

The company will typically either deny your claim or extend a settlement offer. Offers tend to be low and a fraction of what you deserve. You can accept an offer or counter with a new demand. This process can go back and forth a few times. However, at some point the insurer will extend its final offer. You’ll have to decide if you want to accept that offer or consider alternative action.

Pros:

Insurance claims often take less time to resolve than lawsuits,

You can get money in your hands shortly after your accident.

Cons:

Insurance companies will do whatever they can to drive down the value of your claim

Claims are often denied or undervalued without justification

Insurance payouts are capped at the insured’s policy limits

Accepting an insurance payout can prevent you from recovering additional compensation in the future.

You don’t have to rely on an insurance claim to get the money you deserve after an accident. You always have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Lawsuits are generally reserved for the most serious types of cases. You may want to file a lawsuit if your damages exceed what an insurer can pay or if an insurance company has simply refused to consider your claim in good faith. Since a lawsuit is a formal civil action, it can help to motivate defendants and insurance companies to cooperate.

The lawsuit process begins when your attorney files your formal complaint. This provides details about your accident, explains why you believe the defendant is at fault, and outlines your damages. The defendant will have the opportunity to review and respond to this complaint. In many cases, the defendant will attempt to negotiate a settlement before the lawsuit progresses any further. In fact, most personal injury cases settlement privately. Your attorney will work to maximize the value of your case and secure a fair and meaningful settlement offer. It’s up to you to decide if you’ll be willing to accept an offer you receive. If you’re not satisfied with the offers, you have the right to take your case to court.

Pros:

Insurance companies don’t control the process, so you’re more likely to get a fair settlement offer

There are no limits to the amount of money you can recover

Juries are likely to empathize with a victim and suggest a high award.

Cons:

Lawsuits can take significantly more time than an insurance claim.

The process that’s best for you will ultimately depend on the type of case you have and the extent of your injuries. In either case, it’s always best to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Hiring an attorney will put you in the best position to get the money you need. Contact the Law Offices of John Rapillo to learn more. We’re prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Practice Areas

Speak to an Orange County Personal Injury Attorney Now

Learn what Orange County personal injury lawyer John Rapillo can do for you. Call him to schedule an appointment or just to chat about your case. He can be reached easily at our toll-free number 800-814-4771, or you can email john@rapillolaw.com.

Get Personalized Attention

Mr. Rapillo does not pass your case off to other attorneys or legal assistants. When you hire him, you have direct access to him, you get his undivided attention, and he’s committed to working hard for you with the full support of his staff and legal resources.

The Law Offices of John Rapillo are located in Newport Beach and Huntington Beach. Mr. Rapillo handles cases throughout Southern California, including Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. If you are unable to travel to one of Mr. Rapillo’s offices, a consultation can be arranged at a location near you.

Visit our Orange County, CA Personal Injury Law Offices

We have two convenient locations in Orange County to serve our clients. We are located in Newport Beach, CA and in Huntington Beach, CA. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and for driving directions to our offices.